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Saint Paul is home to some of the most grandiose lighting displays in the state! Our fair city’s historical roots and decadent architecture offer the perfect backdrop for twinkling, colorful lights and festive displays of holiday cheer. Take an evening off from your frenzied preparations to immerse yourself in the seasonal visual delights of Saint Paul.

Summit Avenue

A wonderful driving or walking tour to do at any given time of the year, lights or no lights, Summit Avenue is the city’s most beautiful street. Lined with historic manses of many different shapes, sizes and styles, this old-timey Ave hits the mark on outdoor holiday decor like none other. Start your tour on Snelling and Summit and slowly wind your way towards Downtown St. Paul. Once you pass Lexington Avenue, the most iconic Victorian-era homes begin to appear (including the Governor’s Mansion, 1006 Summit, just off Dale) and it is here that the holiday spirit of the wealthy rears its competitive head — much to the visual delight of us common-folk. Towering pines strung with thousands of sparkling lights, glowing displays and over-the-top props dominate the grounds of many of Summit Avenue’s most note-worthy residences. Many of which, I assume cost more to power every season than I made in 2009. Tip: I certainly don’t condone walking too far in this weather without a full-on snow suit, so do the drive and perhaps pull over once you get in the thick of it for a brisk walk-about.

For more info on Summit Avenue click HERE.

Rice Park

What’s more iconic than the twinkly lights in our capital city’s own Rice Park? A glowing centerpiece to Downtown Saint Paul’s historic streets, the Rice Park display features a gigantic tree lit with thousands of energy-efficient LED lights alongside holiday decor and dozens of other glittering trees in the park – fittingly powered by Xcel Energy, of course. To make matters more dazzling, the lights are set to go into a sparkle-frenzy for five minutes each hour. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful structures in the Downtown area such as the Saint Paul Hotel and Landmark Center, this “town square” is the epitome of winter wonderland. And with the annual Wells Fargo Winterskate just adjacent, you can don your cutest/warmest holiday-wear for a romantic spin or three around the rink, complete with the glitzy park as your backdrop. Skate rental is a mere $2 per person, free if you show your Wells Fargo check or credit card.

For more info on Rice Park and Winterskate click HERE

Linder’s Garden Center

Now this is marketing at its prettiest. Family owned St. Paul staple, Linder’s Garden Center once again goes nuts with their lighting display, which is practically on the verge of being visible from outerspace. Over 150,000 lights make up this stunning display, which is run by a custom-designed computer program that controls the movement and sparkle-value of the extravaganza. And while your there being mesmerized by the fantasy of it all, you may as well pop in and buy a poinsettia or two to jazz up your own holiday display — which is guaranteed to be no where near as cool as this one.

For more info on Linder’s lighting display click HERE

Lake Phalen

In the Summer months, Lake Phalen plays host to the bikini-clad babes and muscle bound crotch-rocket riders that routinely cruise its perimeter, and on the flip side, the holiday season finds the lake ringed in glittering lights and impressively dazzling displays. A drive-through experience that costs $10 per car on Friday-Saturday and $8 Thursday-Sunday, this visual marvel donates all its proceeds to a number of charities focused on fundamental community needs such as food, shelter, education, and the environment. You’ll leisurely coast around the lake oohing and aahing over the over-the-top installations, which may be just the right recipe for a cute date night or a family outing. The best part? You needn’t leave the cozy confines of your car.

For more info on the Phalen lights click HERE

Still planning your outdoor adventures this weekend? Check out the colorful and lively dragonboat races this weekend at Lake Phalen during the Dragon Festival. The two-day festival promotes the 2,400-year tradition of dragon boat racing, which is tons of fun to watch, along with a weekend full of fantastic Asian food, music, dance performances, and free canoe rides. Enjoy!

What: Dragon Festival

When: Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 11:30 a.m. each day

Parking: Parking on-site is extremely limited, so you’re encouraged to park at one of three off-site lots and use the free shuttle. The three parking sites are: the Metro Transit station at Highway 61 and County Road C, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Building at 1430 Maryland Ave E in St. Paul, and at Gustavus Adolphus Church at 1669 Arcade St N. Click here for maps and more information.

One of the most accessible and beautiful lakes in the Twin Cities is also one of the best-kept secrets in my opinion. Sure, Lake Phalen can be crowded at times (like this weekend I imagine), but on a recent, gorgeous Sunday afternoon, my husband and I basically had the lake to ourselves. What’s more, I read that the beach at Lake Phalen is St. Paul’s only swimming beach! (Could that really be true?)

Just a few minutes northeast of downtown (off 35E), Lake Phalen is a summertime dream for picnickers, swimmers, walkers, bikers, runners, or those who just want a sandy beach to sunbathe on. Fishing fans can catch walleye in the lake, while boaters can launch their own boats or rent canoes and sailboats.

We packed a picnic lunch and after a brisk 3.2-mile walk around the lake, spread our blanket on a grassy lakeside spot before running into the sand and jumping in the water to cool off. The well-maintained sand volleyball area was just waiting for players. No one swam at the beach. Where was everyone? Must have been a lucky weekend for us.

There’s much more to explore in the Phalen area, too. Phalen Park boasts an 18-hole golf course, boat launch, play ground, amphitheater, and of course, picnic areas and a pavilion. The swimming area is small, but just right for a quick dip. Lifeguards are present, too, so you can feel good about lounging on the beach with a book while the kids splash around in the water.

Earlier this summer, a St. Paul Staycation blog reader and parks + rec guy named Brian made his case for the Lake Phalen area, pointing out lesser known places to explore. His tips were so helpful that I am re-posting them below. Enjoy!

“Highly recommend you and the family … head out to the very north tip of Lake Phalen Regional Park. In fact, go all the way up to Frost Ave. in Maplewood, and park in the Round Lake Park lot/entrance. It’s a 1.1-mile loop around little old Round Lake (which connects to Keller Regional Park to the north and Lake Phalen to the South and East).

“It’s especially nice and quiet on early weekend mornings,” Brian continues.

“Sip coffee, enjoy the trees and native plantings, wander the trails, and listen to the birds chirp before all manner of walker, biker, rollerblader, and the din of local traffic gets going. We really like being in that area around sunrise. Once you get a feel for the main paths, you can venture into some of the dirt trails that wander through the re-planted oak savannahs and woodlands.”

It’s comments like these that act as a reminder that no matter how long you live in a city, there is always more to discover! Thanks, Brian!

Where: 1615 Phalen Dr., Saint Paul, MN 55106

Phone: (651) 632-5111

Hours: Sunrise – 11 p.m.